Instagram says accounts ‘are secure’ after wave of suspicious password reset requests

For those who acquired a bunch of password reset requests from Instagram lately, you are not alone. Malwarebytes, an antivirus software program firm, initially reported that there was a knowledge breach revealing the “delicate data” of 17.5 million Instagram customers. Malwarebytes added that the leak included Instagram usernames, bodily addresses, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses and extra. Nevertheless, Instagram said there was no breach and that person accounts have been “safe.”

In Malwarebytes submit, the corporate added that the “knowledge is obtainable on the market on the darkish net and could be abused by cybercriminals.” Malwarebytes famous in an electronic mail to its prospects that it found the breach throughout its routine darkish net scan and that it is tied to a possible incident associated to an Instagram API publicity from 2024.

The reported breach has resulted in customers receiving several emails from Instagram about password reset requests. In accordance with Malwarebytes, the leaked data might result in extra severe assaults, like phishing makes an attempt or account takeovers. In response, Instagram posted on X that customers can ignore the current emails requesting password resets.

“We mounted a problem that permit an exterior occasion request password reset emails for some individuals,” Instagram’s submit on X learn. “There was no breach of our techniques and your Instagram accounts are safe.”

Whereas Instagram stated this is not a knowledge breach, its dad or mum firm has been in sizzling water for data breaches up to now. If you have not already, it is all the time a good suggestion to activate two-factor authentication and alter your password. Even higher, you may overview what units are logged into your Instagram account in Meta’s Accounts Middle.

Replace, January 11, 2026, 11:10AM ET: This story and its headline have been up to date with Instagram’s assertion that was posted on X.